Tummler Sees Everything

MegaUpload Song: The State Of The Internet

2011-12-10T19:23:00.001Z

Stars produce a song about MegaUpload, showing support for the changing face of the music industry - It gets pulled by the label.

The industry has grown through the teething stages of the internet into a bratty teenager that doesn't know what it wants.

You can't listen to the song here, but you can read more here...

2011-10-25T15:37:00.000+01:00

Capitulation is the lowest form of wilt.

33 Photos from Occupy London Stock Exchange

2011-10-16T00:22:00.001+01:00

Photos I took today; the first day of the Occupy London campaign.

Bike caught in limbo between concentric policemen. Actually thought it got stolen at one point. Long story...

Julian Assange appears:

...Suddenly! Somebody's wedding.

...and back to the standoff.

First dude I saw arrested:

Second dude I saw arrested:

2011-10-05T14:25:00.002+01:00

Friend me on Facebook

and I'll inbox you

some verbs.

Oh, Hackney

2011-09-21T10:48:00.000+01:00

While cycling through Hackney this morning I noticed this sign on the wall of a house I go past every day. A very pretty house that I assumed was inhabited by squatters.

"Dear Neighbours,

We have been squatting at 5 St. Marks Rise (the house with the orange fence) since October 2008.

On Wednesday 14^th September, Hackney Council delivered us an eviction notice giving us just over a week to get out of the building that has been our home for the last three years. We were never informed of the court case that decided our eviction, which is planned for Friday 23^rd September. This has come as a shock, but no surprise. It is yet another example of the under-handed way in which Hackney Council deals with people’s lives.

Hackney Council has declared this house and many other properties ‘surplus requirements’, and are ruthlessly pressing ahead with eviction and sell-offs.

We have all noticed the drastic change in our area. What the council call ‘regeneration; is the forced sale of our neighbourhoods and lives to developers and the children of the rich, while the rest of us must disappear.

In this current depression and housing crisis, squatting has never been more necessary, yet this government is intent on criminalizing anyone who can’t afford rent.

Hackney Council has left this building empty and neglected for years. The damage left by the bailiffs after evicting the previous squatters was extensive with every window and fixture smashed. In the 3 years we’ve lived here, we’ve repaired the building to the best of our abilities and built a home for ourselves.

At 10am on Friday 23^rd, bailiffs will come to evict this house, but WE INTEND TO STAY. Join us in showing the council and their associates that we will not be pushed out of our neighbourhood so easily.

Yours sincerely,

The people at 5 St. Marks Rise"

"This Home Is Not 4 Sale"

Autumn Is Coming - Eid Mubarak

2011-08-30T01:05:00.003+01:00

Bracketed 30 second exposures, captured and processed at 12am.

Goodnight.

Critical Mass London May 2011

2011-05-29T16:27:00.001+01:00

I didn't shoot this video (a friend and I are actually in it from 0:09) of Friday's Critical Mass and it unfortunately doesn't quite capture how many people (even those on the pavement) were singing and dancing to Michael Jackson - One of the best moments of the ride.

The Remains of Yesterday's Music Industry

2011-03-22T16:18:00.000Z

I was meeting a friend in Oxford Street yesterday and happened to pass the location of the ol' HMV megastore. As far as I know it was shut down last year, leaving behind this dire image - looking like a town whose citizens fled overnight, rather than fight a losing battle.

It's a sad thought (if you happen to love the crumbling structure of the music industry), but hopefully it will mean a handful of independent stores will be able to survive (like fresh saplings after a forest fire).

"Unlimited edition, with an unlimited supply. That was the only reason we all had to say goodbye" - The Sex Pistols, EMI

Two Can Be As Bad As One

2011-03-11T10:10:00.001Z

So I did a dub remix of Harry Nilsson's One, and decided to make a video to go with it out of D.O.A, an archetypal 50s film noir classic. Anyway, I hope it creates some atmosphere.

This is the lo-res version, and the ratio is slightly off after recompression - so be it. Dedicated to my favourite dog, Kerry. RIP.

BPM: 120
Audio Samples: Harry Nilsson - One (1968)
Video Samples: D.O.A (1950) - Public Domain
AVI - MPEG 4
720 x 480 (4:3)
29.97 fps
PCM AAC Audio
Hardware/Software: MicroKorg, Ableton Live 8, Cool Edit, Handbrake & Adobe Premiere

Album Trailer: Graveyeard - Hisingen Blues

2011-02-21T16:42:00.003Z

Good news, everyone! Psychedelic rockers, Graveyard are releasing a new album next month.

They've put together a short video (you might recognise some of the footage from Alejandro Jodorowsky's Holy Mountain and a few other cult classics) making for a very compelling, if time warping, teaser.

If You Do Nothing Else Today, Watch This

2011-02-18T01:06:00.002Z

Longer version with subtitles here...

EDIT: So I met this Japanese girl last night, and she told me that the dude in the video above is from J-Pop sensation, SMAP! And, why not, here they are performing live with James Brown...

Thank you, J-Brown.

Straight Up, The Coolest Photo In My Universe

2011-02-10T16:28:00.000Z

Pic from Michael Pilmer, Devo-Obsesso.

† Afrikaans Trio †

2011-01-19T00:33:00.004Z

(Screencap from "Forgive them for they know not what they do")

"Een van ons groot early influences Alkaline Trio speel by Ramfest 2011!" - Fokofpolisiekar Facebook Page

I love both Alkaline Trio and Fokofpolisiekar, and was just listening to As Jy Met Vuur Speel Sal Jy Brand (2003) for the first time in a while (actually, I happen to remember it was December 31, 2009 on a bus to Curry Mallet, Somerset) and was reminded just how big an early influence they really were.

Fokofpolisiekar - Maak of Braak*

Tuisgemaakte sosialewapen, onbekende handgebare,
dooie mense maak asof hulle my ken.
In die begrafplaas waar ek bly lag al die geraamtes vir my,
maar hulle is onbewus dat ek stuk vir stuk my hart by my keel afdruk.
Drink nou hierdie bloed van my, dis al wat ek het wat jy kan kry.
Ek het spesiaal my are vir jou oopgesny,
se net dit lyk mooi.
Die ewige kind agter in my kop, bewe benoud,
en krap oop sy toegestikte mond
nes stilgebore babas huil ek nie oor die onregverdigheid
van die lewe nie, niemand lewe rerig nie.
Ek het al my kos en geheime opgegooi,
se net dit lyk mooi, se net dit lyk mooi.
Ek het al daai fokkin' kak gesluk, myself probeer verdrink,
se net dit lyk mooi, se net ek is mooi.
Paniekbevange angstig en alleen.
Prins van donkerte ek dien myself alleen.

Fokof must be really pleased, and if I don't make it to Cape Town for March, I'll be proud when I see a photo of them with the Alkaline lads - maybe with BLK JKS in the background, just for kicks.

*If any of my Afrikaans maatjies feel like translating the lyrics in return for a public thank you, that'd be good. I don't want to fudge it, and Google Translate rectums "Fokofpolisiekar" means "Foo Fighters" and therefore doesn't really do subtlety.

RIP Trish Keenan (Broadcast)

2011-01-15T13:57:00.004Z

...Trish, 42, died yesterday (January 14, 2011) of pneumonia. Lame.

Every Home Needs a Harvey

2011-01-04T21:14:00.001Z

Featuring a tenacious terrier, this could only be one of my favourite TV adverts airing at the moment. Recently launched, the popular promo by The Red Brick Road is for Thinkbox.tv, which is "the marketing body for the main UK commercial TV broadcasters - Channel 4, ITV, Sky Media, and Turner Media Innovations", or at least Wikipedia seems to think so.

Consequently, the following is pretty much a TV advert about advertising on television - which leads me to ponder many things. The financing, for instance. Who pays the bill for this type of meta-marketing production? Do the cheques and invoices get stuck in a Royal Mail loop, gathering speed until vibrating at an infinitesimal frequency - plopping in and out of existence - appearing stationary to the fat, naked eye?

According to BrandRepublic.com, You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet, by Bachman-Turner Overdrive, went to number 316 of Amazon's top mp3 downloads (up 14,545 spots) as a result of this production. Ah, the power of television (and the Internet).

To remove all risk of digressing into a corner, I'll state this while I'm still in the room; One thing I am sure of, I'm totally buying what the little wire hair devil is selling and every home does indeed need a Harvey. Enjoy the show...

What I did Today: Built My First Circuit Board, That's What

2011-01-02T22:59:00.003Z

Thanks to my brother, Ed, for getting me this build-it-yourself voice changer kit, and for teaching me to solder like some sort of man-machine.

Unfortunately, the Maplin kit contained two incorrect components (a common occurrence, I'm told), so until I find replacement resistors it will have to remain in limbo - but I'll post some tests when it's alive.

Nuts to the lame mic, we're fitting an outboard input so any signal can be used (mic, guitar, synth etc), and I'm planning on building it into a convenient box for safe keepin'.

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T17:50:00.000Z

12:00am - Sonic Youth performing last night at the ATP Strange Days gig, Hammersmith Apollo with Shellac, The Pop Group and Factory Floor.

All the acts kicked so much ass it's unreal - Sonic Youth's wall of noise inspired me to buy a (cheap) new guitar this morning.

Well wishes to all for 2011!

My Top Ten Albums of 2010

2010-12-30T06:53:00.007Z

A list of my favourites from the past year, in no detailed order:

DEVO - Something For Everybody

One of the most important albums to my year, I get the feeling it also meant a lot to the band (including the fantastic Josh Freese). With an intuitive online marketing strategy, prodding humour and expected musical greatness, DEVO have proved that they're still on the pulse. It's no fluke.

On DEVO's Facebook group or website, canny remember, I read a comment from a fan who said Human Rocket reminded him of going skating in the 80s, it made him feel alive on a day when he was going skating in 2010. I did not weep - no - but the comment stuck with me, solidifying my opinion that the devolving boys from Ohio did a good job of producing a new release with both retrospection and resonance.

Favourite Track: No place like home

Gonjasufi - A Sufi and a killer

However you want to slice the sound of Gonjasufi (I'd start by trimming the soothing lo-fi blues and trip-hop freestyles until you're left with a little bit of fatty dub for a nice stew), A Sufi And A Killer always ends up a mesmerising experience.

Curious samples, insightful lyrics and a natural delivery make it a complex album that will continue to unfold with multiple listens.

Favourite Track: Sheep

Gorillaz - Plastic Beach

An album which managed to find me at the perfect time - not that I was in dire need of it, but rather one I might've overlooked had it not reached my shore during a drought.

I've always liked Gorillaz from a distance, so to speak, and it took me a few listens to get a grip on Plastic Beach - and when I understood it, I was hooked.

Favourite Track: Sweepstakes feat. Mos Def & Hypnotic Brass Ensemble

Enslaved - Axioma Ethica Odini

A flagship band in my Norwegian metal library, I was excited to see Enslaved perform live recently (including a few tracks from Axioma Ethica Odini), not one week before the release. They opened for Dimmu Borgir, who were enjoyable, but not at all why I had bought tickets.

While not my favourite in their catalogue, it says more about the relevance of earlier albums rather than the songwriting or execution, because Axioma is a borderline masterpiece. Only time will tell.

Favourite Track: The Beacon

Mark Ronson & the Business INTL - Record Collection

The video for the first single, The Bike Song, was enough to intrigue me into listening to Mark Ronson - an artist I'd never heard of before, and one whose far from 'choice' selection of past pop collaborators I was willing to ignore.

Not shy of high society or short on contacts, Ronson hosts loads of stars, both rising and fading, on his most celebrated album to date. It's 2010! This is catchy! This is fun! Is this Mr Ronson a shallow pop gigolo for hire? I don't care, let's dance!

Favourite Track: The Bike Song feat. Kyle Falconer & Spank Rock

Daft Punk - Tron Legacy OST

I've not yet seen the sequel to Disney's Tron, but I couldn't help but listen to the score for the possibly redundant Tron Legacy as soon as it came about. I had to go back and listen to select a favourite track because I'd mostly just put it on in the background – Recognizer is fitting when remembering the Recognizers in the original movie; grand in scale and kinda scary sounding. Much like the rest of the album.

Hype aside; I like it, and I hope Daft Punk include this symphonic approach on future albums. That, and the movie doesn't suck from top to bottom.

Favourite Track: Recognizer

Toro Y Moi - Causers of this

While not the best album of the year, this little chillwave oasis can, at times, be one of those annoying mirage thingies. Dreamy and melodic with much spatial aesthetic, but heavy on the gating and compression throughout (it can sound like a toddler found the volume control), I found that I'd either put this album on and play it through, or the club 'bounce' in production would give me an actual headache from across the room.

All considered, Causers of This is an easy listen, and proves a great soundtrack when entertaining an eclectic crowd (i.e. when there's a party at your place and you want a sound that everyone will enjoy without necessarily noticing).

Favourite Track: Thanks Vision

Unseenmachine - The Devil's Hard Drive

As I understand, this band is comprised of my brother's friend and his wife. Despite it's major IDM foundation, it's very sweet, sincere and pleasing on the ear – the kind of electronica girls like. How to clarify? Yes, imagine The Books, Boards of Canada and Squarepusher made an album best enjoyed in early morning sunlight. There, that descriptive enough?

If you like strings, synths, folksy vocals, jagged beats, pop and blips, and the glockenspiel, then boy are you in luck. Here's a little punt for friends of family; you can get this album from Amazon or via the Unseenmachine website. Good job.

Favourite Track: Acorns In My Pocket

Burzum - Belus

Recently released after serving 16 years in prison for church burning and the murder of that guy from that black metal band, Varg Vikernes certainly knocked my Nordic-loving block off with an intense album after many years of silence (musical silence, at least).

Less like a raw 90s black metal bootleg and more like the valid, refined albums his peers have been releasing in the past decade; it's much more professional overall. His vocals are flawless, finding a good spot in the mix, and the timing is on (which is nice).

I was half expecting another one of his Casio synth-fest soundscapes, but Varg carries an extroverted approach on Belus (basically more of the kind of stuff he's appreciated for). However, it's no longer comprised of bursts of energy or inspiration, but longer, calculated passages. He creates the unforgiving atmosphere so easily this time you'd forget he was in the big house for so long.

Favourite Track: Kaimadalthas' nedstigning

AIR - Love 2

Another band I was lucky enough to catch live during 2010, the French duo played an incredible set which seemed to last for days to a great audience, and we swooned, collectively.

I don't mind admitting that I've always been a bit of an AIR fanboy. So it's only natural that I'd like this album plenty without much justification - but I do maintain that I'd gladly choose Love 2 over 2007's Pocket Symphony, which would hopefully restore balance to this post.

Favourite Track: Tropical disease

Honourable Mentions:

- The Brian Jonestown Massacre - Who Killed Sgt. Pepper?
- Menomena - Mines
- White Ring - Black Earth That Made Me
- The Black Keys - Brothers
- SALEM - King Night
- Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti - Before Today
- Sunset Park Riders - Showdown at the BK Corral (Free download)
- Ameer Saban - Textures of Ramadaan (Free download)

Here's to 2011! I love you all!

Givin' as Good as I'm Gettin' - Update

2010-12-30T00:51:00.004Z

It is with much regret that I must inform you of how my week of giving went - well, it's bittersweet.

To cut a long story short, the Tuesday following Monday's post delivered a call which would make the next two weeks far more exciting and horrifically busy than I anticipated. I slept some, but eating basically didn't happen. I was ready for the year end Christmas rush, but a couple of things transpired - the details of which I'll be sure to announce in the new year - rendering an organised and documented exercise near impossible.

In the hopes that you'll forgive me, here's a photo of me looking forlorn while holding a cheese and tomato sarmie:

Does that help?

But it's not all bad news (and top secret news), I did manage to fulfill more or less what I wanted on a small scale - but I did have a plan of what I wanted to do everyday. Instead, I was only able to knock out a bit of kindness and generosity in everyday situations (as well as I could) - and not go out of my way for friends and strangers, like I had wanted.

I did manage to create a few special situations, which I'm happy with, but will hopefully be tackling a similar project soon, when things are less delightfully hellish.

I'm still blessed, and I won't forget it.

Givin' as Good as I'm Gettin' - Monday

2010-12-07T00:43:00.004Z

The past few weeks friends and other loved ones seem to have been showering me with gifts, treats other heart-warming gestures.

In the last week alone I have been given two pots of home-made strawberry jam, a rather large stick of cured ham, tickets to the Gadget Show Live, an old bicycle, doughnuts, chocolates and books – and it's starting to seem like my friends and colleagues are playing some glorious trick on me with all these unwarranted acts of generosity. Seriously, enough now.

With this spirit in mind, it's about time I go out and make others feel as blessed as I have felt recently. For the next week I will be making similar gestures, big or small, to those around me, every day - as a reminder of the necessity (and existence) of benevolence.

Monday

Starting off with an easy one, it's half of my brother's Christmas present. I bought him a new microwave and lugged that sucker all the way home on my bad leg (long story, involves black ice). Knowing he needed one, but not so sure he'd want something super-practical (plus he kept asking me) I told him my idea yesterday and he agreed that it was indeed a good gift. So I decided to get it early to give it a spin before the day. That's super-practical.

Realising that I need to be appreciative and generous with myself too, I bought these bad boy slippers to start the journey, because the baby Jesus knows I need 'em. They're extremely snug, which will remind me not to be 'smug' - and to keep trying to reflect the goodness all around.

But I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to sleep with them on.

G'night!

I Can't Live (If Living is Without Harry Nilsson)

2010-11-12T19:49:00.008Z

Harry Nilsson always reminds me of Midnight Cowboy - which reminds me of someone special (and it sure as hell ain't Jon Voight).

x

Support Your Local Internet PSA

2010-09-07T00:25:00.006+01:00

With millions out there, a screaming mouth to feed and a mortgage to put through school, losing out to the global Internet giants of GeoCities, AskJeeves and LinkedIn - it's no wonder most folks are looking to their own backyard for more value through their online investments.

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL INTERNET

By choosing only to support your neighborhood Internet, you can chat to your friends, consume stuff and teach yourself neat shit - while limiting your contribution to the deforestation of fiber optics fuels, building your own community from the inside out.

Local produce always feels better in the long run. Let's keep inter-connectivity between us.

The Sleepy Jackson - Good Dancers

2010-07-17T18:55:00.005+01:00

Some years ago I read about The Sleepy Jackson in Mojo magazine. Thinking Luke Steele (better known as half of Empire of The Sun) looked like a troubadour clown, the name stuck with me.

I recently listened to Lovers (2003), and I find this song astonishing:

The Circle of Life Continues

2010-06-30T01:24:00.001+01:00

So, I took some time out from my busy life as the king of nonchalant activism and put a team of countless monkeys in front of an infinite number of recalled IBM ThinkPads in the hopes they might leap unfettered into unwritten territory.

Fettered, the monkeys toiled endlessly. Their fezzes slipping over their eyes between scrawled, yet drawn out lines. I was most unhappy with the majority of what they had produced.

Ultimately, I decided the only way I could yield better results would be to increase their hours, ration the number of monkey parking bays and up the price of Malawian bananas.

This is their story: An inspiring music video for every day of the week!

Monday: Gorgoroth - Carving a Giant

While I know black metal might not be everyone's cure for the blues (others may argue Gaahl and his band mean-streaked musicians aint trve black metal, pish posh), but a little aggression goes a long way towards tackling this unholy sabbath of the enslaved living in the free world. It's Moanday: Feel it. Breathe it. Burn it to the ground.

Tuesday: Lis Er Stille - The Real Children

I've noticed that if by Tuesday you feel the week has only just started; it's gonna be a quick one. If you rocked up for Thursday's extremely important yet stupendously mind-insulting PowerPoint presentation today, you are doomed. Tuesdays can be tricky, try not to get caught out.

Wednesday: Tame Impala - Solitude is Bliss

Like the the solstice - halfway between what has gone and what is yet to come - Wednesday is bittersweet. If you happen to be watching this during your Wednesday midday lunch break; you could not be any deeper in limbo - but limbo aint so bad.

Thursday: Wham! - Wham! Rap (Enjoy What You Do)

Ok, don't get ahead of yourself - it's not quite the weekend, but that's no reason to stop yourself from partying just the littlest bit. Go out there, enjoy your life, but remember; you and Thursday still kind of lame.

Friday: Thin Lizzy - Do anything you want to

Clock out and shrug off. Two rare cosmic events have just coincided; Friday and the miraculous being that you have come to be...

Saturday: Lee 'Scratch' Perry - Roast Fish and Cornbread

Holy moley, it's Saturday. It's a time for doing everything or nothing - but do something, you hear me? Saturdays are fleeting. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you might miss it.

Either watch this music video or Ferris Beuller's day off. One way or another, it's sure better than Thursday, agreed? Aw yeah.

Sunday: Chet Baker - Time After Time (Live)

Whether you washed and ironed your pillowslips or tore Saturday night a new one, Sundays are for resting, relaxing and repressing. Prepare yourself for another rollercoaster ride with some cool, cool jazz - right now.

DISCLAIMER: I have never agreed with monkeys in fictional sweatshops, or left unattended in parking lots. To be blunt, I had not thought through an intro. Also, I know the traditional week begins with a Sunday, just roll with it.

Retired.

2010-06-23T00:15:00.005+01:00

This morning I woke up thinking I was going to get ready to go to varsity. I even found an old pair of shoes I noticed I had missed. Turns out I was a good few years older, and had long since donated the shoes to a friend who had taken a shine to them.

This afternoon South Africa beat France in the first stage of the FIFA world cup. Though not enough to make it through to the second round of the tournament (and half of the French team either on strike or replaced for whatever internal reason), the win felt good and was a good ending for us - Being the host country of our first world cup.

Tonight I found Yo-Yo Ma plays Ennio Morricone in my music library, which has really solidified the funk that has been nagging at me all day like a puppy that never tires...

Today has been a strange day - but who knows, maybe tomorrow I'll wake up retired.